The Astral Villa
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Anubian Hounds
Said to be creations of the god Anpu (Anubis), Anubian hounds inhabit harsh astral deserts, often congregating around oases or other sources of water and vegetation. They appear as large dogs (3’-4’ at the shoulder fully grown), similar to a greyhound in appearance, with a slender build and sleek, short fur. Except in very rare cases, all Anubian hounds have jet black fur and skin, and either brown or amber eyes. They sport golden marks around their eyes that resemble winged eyeliner. On occasion, they may be born with golden-colored claws instead of black claws. A gold-clawed hound is considered good luck, and is often hailed as a blessing to the family. Though it’s not exactly impossible for an Anubian hound to take a humanoid form, only a handful have known to actually do so, and it's never something they do around other members of their pack, as it's almost seen as a signal that the hound is ashamed of who they truly are.
Social animals by nature, Anubian hounds live in family-based packs that can be as small as a mated pair and their pups, or as large as several families all grouped together. They do not have a truly-defined hierarchy, though younger hounds do defer to their elders and treat them with the utmost respect, and elder hounds are looked to for advice and leadership. They are often wary of outsiders, some packs to the point of hostility towards all those not in their family, but some can be welcoming of outsiders. They hunt in small groups, eating everything from very small animals to much larger prey that they can take down as a group. They are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, spending much of the daytime resting in the shade and avoiding the sun because of their very dark coats. It’s not uncommon to find Anubian hounds living in caves or ruins of past settlements, as they provide plenty of shade and sometimes a reliable source of water as well. Though they are wards of Anpu, Anubian hounds do not carry out the same psychopompic job as the jackal-headed deity. They may, however, welcome wayward spirits into their pack and temporarily care for them until either they are ready to pass on or until they simply choose to leave. Some packs have spirits that have lived with them for generations, and have even become part of their family, helping to care for pups or hunt or protect the pack from hostile outsiders. An Anubian hound companion will often gravitate towards local spirits, animal or otherwise, and will help you to become acquainted with them if that is in your interests. An Anubian hound will be a lifelong friend, willing to protect their companion to the very end. Though they are very family-oriented and will often not completely leave their packs when they choose to be your companion, they will be there you whenever they are needed. In addition to being good at sensing and guiding you to local spirits, Anubian hounds are also often skilled in helping you to reach the astral if you are having trouble with it, as well as magic involving dreams. Some are also skilled in various forms of divination, primarily osteomancy (casting bones), astragalomancy (divination with dice), or runes. All Anubian hounds purchased from the Astral Villa will be spirits of once-living hounds. Anpu has given me special permission to take in the spirits of hounds that are not yet ready to move on in hopes that they can find a purpose with another. |
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